Career Pathways

Some job descriptions for water utility professionals are profiled below, compiled by the American Water Works Association. Qualified Water and Wastewater Operators with proper certifications are in high demand in Southern California and many utilities offer very competitive salaries and benefits.

Water Operations ManagerResponsible for the operation of the water distribution system and control of the flow of filtered water into and throughout the system; plans and supervises the operation of all pumping stations and distribution reservoirs; supervises leak detection activities and 24-hour service department.

Water Quality/Laboratory ManagerResponsible for the direction, administration, and operation of the water quality laboratory. Ensures quality and compliance with the requirements of state and federal regulatory agencies through the monitoring and testing of water introduced into the water system.

SCADA Systems ManagerResponsible for the operation of the SCADA system including the design, programming and maintenance of the process control system.

Water Treatment Plant ManagerResponsible for all operations of a single water treatment plant, including staffing, training, directing operations, maintenance, and budgeting.

Entry Level Water Treatment Plant Operator(Operator In Training) Under direct supervision, performs tasks related to the operation of a water treatment plant. Typically holds or is working on first-level water treatment certification.

Water Treatment Plant OperatorOperates and maintains a water treatment plant, including maintenance of equipment, quality control/testing, and day-to-day activities. Typically holds or is working towards an intermediate-level water treatment certification.

Senior/Lead Water Treatment Plant OperatorOperates and maintains a water treatment plant. Is fully qualified to perform most complex functions and may direct the work of other operators. Typically holds a high-level water treatment certification.

Wastewater Treatment Plant ManagerResponsible for all operations of a single wastewater treatment plant, including staffing, training, directing operations, maintenance, and budgeting.

Entry Level Waste-water Treatment Plant Operator (Operator In Training) Under direct supervision, performs tasks related to the operation of a waste-water treatment plant. Typically holds or is working on first-level waste-water treatment certification.

Waste-water Treatment Plant OperatorOperates and maintains a waste-water treatment plant, including maintenance of equipment, quality control/testing, and day-to-day activities. Typically holds or is working towards an intermediate-level waste-water treatment certification.

Senior/Lead Waste-water Treatment Plant OperatorOperates and maintains a waste-water treatment plant. Is fully qualified to perform the most complex functions and may direct the work of other operators. Typically holds a high-level waste-water treatment certification.